SRC-SLL S.B. 1958 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1958
By: Luna
Jurisprudence
5-17-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

No new county courts at law have been authorized in Bexar County since
1985.  Since then, the population has increased, resulting in a decreasing
ration of judges to population.  At the same time, dockets have grown and
caseloads have become more complex.  These factors have led to substantial
backlogs.  This bill will provide regulations regarding the creation of
three county courts at law in Bexar County. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1958 provides regulations regarding the creation of
three county courts at law in Bexar County. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.0171(b), Government Code, to provide that
Bexar County has a County Courts at Law Nos. 10, 11, and 12 of Bexar
County. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.0172, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(a) and (b), and amending Subsections (c), (d), (l), (n), (o), (u), and
(v), to require the County Court at Law No. 10 to give preference to civil
cases.  Requires the County Court at Law No.  11 to give preference to
juvenile cases and misdemeanor cases.  Requires County Courts at Law Nos.
11 and 12 to give preference to criminal cases and appeals de novo from
the municipal and justice courts.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 3. Provides that the County Courts at Law Nos. 10, 11, and 12 of
Bexar County, Texas are created and shall be filled by election.  Provides
that the offices of the judges of County Courts at Law Nos. 10, 11, and 12
exist for purposes of the primary and general election in 1998 and are to
be filled January 1, 1999.  Provides that vacancies after the initial
vacancies are filled until the next election by the Commissioners Court of
Bexar County. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.